Repeat Internships

lkf725 · 07-23-2007, 05:37 PM

Is it better to stay with a good internship for a second or third summer to get depth of experience, or is it better to go to a new internship for a broader experience?

samonite16 · 07-23-2007, 06:23 PM

I don't think theres really a hard an fast answer to your question, but usually the answer is to move on after 1 session. You'll get more experience and more contacts. I would say that the only reasons to go back would be: 1. you would be getting a LOT more responsibility than you would other places, 2. you are herat set on working at the place after graduation and think you can get an offer if you go back.

URichmond2010 · 07-23-2007, 09:52 PM

I agree with Samonite.

If you aren't going to get anything new from it, why do it again? If they're giving you new responsibilities, elevating your position, paying you better, having you do different things, and would be a really good contact for you in the future, than yeah, I think it might be a good idea to stick with it and continue growing with the company (etc.). Otherwise, why not try something new and broaden your horizons?

bluestar7 · 08-15-2007, 11:28 PM

I completely agree.

Going back a second summer says some positive things -- namely, they liked you enough as a person and as a worker to re-hire you and therefore, you'll have some great contacts and references.

But, if you're going back and having the same responsibilities and doing the same exact thing with little benefit (unless of course you're fairly certain you can get a job offer at the company post-graduation), then it makes more sense to branch out, get more contacts and more experience. Maybe after the new experience you'll realize that you either really want to work at the first summer's company full time or maybe you'll realize that it's not for you. It's good to see what's out there.

lkf725 · 08-16-2007, 09:24 AM

Do you think that a company will assume you will work for them if you intern for more than one summer, as they have some time and resources invested in you? I think it would be bad to have some unspoken obligation for after graduation.

OTOH, having increasing responsibilities the second summer would be good.

How does it work with co-ops? You work for the same company for 3 semesters; do they assume you will work for them?

URichmond2010 · 08-16-2007, 12:24 PM

There's no obligation until they offer you a position and you say yes.